Chignik River Federal Subsistence Fishery for Sockeye Salmon

This action is necessary to ensure the conservation of healthy populations and continuation of subsistence uses of Chignik River Sockeye Salmon and the continuation of subsistence uses. Additionally, this special action allows salmon fishing with set gillnets beginning June 22, 2018, through July 31, 2018, only by Federally qualified subsistence users who are residents of Chignik Bay, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, Ivanof Bay, or Perryville who are in possession of a Social and Cultural Harvest Permit issued by the Federal in-season manager. A Social and Cultural Harvest Permit is required while using a set gillnet or other legal gear types while fishing for Sockeye Salmon and must be in the possession of the individual designated fisher(s) selected by each community. Conditions of the permit must be followed. This fishery is allowed in response to requests by Federally qualified subsistence users and to protect a poor return of Sockeye Salmon.

The biological escapement goal for early run Sockeye Salmon in the Chignik River drainage is 350,000 – 450,000 fish. The weir escapement estimate as of June 20 was 33,377 Sockeye Salmon. Based on historical run timing, approximately 51% of the escapement has occurred by June 20 and escapements at the weir are typically between 150,000 and 230,000 fish. It is unlikely, based on the current rate of escapement, that the lower end of the escapement goal for early-run Sockeye Salmon in the Chignik River drainage will be achieved.

For additional information, contact Federal Inseason Manager Jonathon Gerken at (907) 271- 2776. Additional information about the Federal Subsistence Management Program can be found on the Web at http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/ or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.

View Full News Release

####